By
FARREN HOTHAM

TREATMENT: Paramedics from Wellington, Dubbo and the 24-hour rescue helicopter carefully deliver the young man into the chopper.

A WELLINGTON rugby league player was airlifted by the 24-hour rescue helicopter to Orange Hospital with suspected neck injuries on Friday night.

Peter Stewart, who was playing for the Wellington Cowboys in the Under 18’s Group 11 match against Dubbo Macquarie at Kennard Park in Wellington, fell awkwardly when attempting to a tackle an opponent.

It's believed he was unconscious for a short time and when attended by players told them he was unable to move.

When paramedics arrived they called the 24-hour rescue helicopter and half an hour later it arrived from Orange.

TAKE OFF: The 24-hour rescue helicopter on its way from Kennard Park in Wellington to Orange Hospital on Friday night.

It's understood Stewart was discharged in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The 17-year-old entered the match from the reserves bench and has only played a handful of games in the Under 18 Group 11 competition.

The rescue helicopter, which has been in operation for only a short time and was officially launched in March, has been called out every night over the past week across the central west of New South Wales, including trips to Bathurst, Condoblin and Lake Cargellico.